The Budget 2026-27 Delayed was supposed to came on Friday but now it’s five days away.
Senior PML-N leader and MNA Tahira Aurangzeb confirmed to Business Recorder that the Budget 2026-27 — originally scheduled for June 5 — will now be presented on June 10. The National Economic Council meeting that was supposed to happen on June 3 was also postponed, with an official notification confirming the delay.
Brecorder confirmed the NEC postponement. Daily Pakistan reported the budget session may shift to June 8 or 12 amid the NEC delay. Brecorder’s separate budget report ultimately confirmed June 10 as the new date.
Why the Budget Was Delayed
Two sticking points held up the Budget 2026-27 delayed situation simultaneously.
Brecorder confirmed one of the key disputes was the size and composition of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) — with multiple coalition government stakeholders pressing for higher development allocations despite the fiscal constraints imposed by the IMF programme.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal made the funding gap explicit: the Ministry of Finance allocated Rs1.126 trillion for the PSDP 2026-27 against total development requirements of Rs4.097 trillion — a gap of nearly Rs3 trillion.
Additionally, Pakistan Observer’s budget analysis confirmed continued structural negotiations with the IMF contributed to the delay. Both issues required additional resolution time before the Finance Minister could walk into the National Assembly with a complete document.
What the Rs17.1 Trillion Budget Contains
Profit by Pakistan Today confirmed the government has proposed a Rs17.1 trillion budget for fiscal year 2026-27 with the following key targets:
| Budget Item | Proposed Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Budget Size | Rs17.1 trillion |
| GDP Growth Target | 4.1% |
| Inflation Target | 8.4% |
| FBR Tax Revenue Target | Rs15.267 trillion |
| Petroleum Levy Target | Rs1.727 trillion |
| Federal PSDP | Rs1.1 trillion |
| Non-Tax Revenue | Rs2.768 trillion |
EV and Hybrid Car Prices Set to Rise
One of the most significant pre-budget leaks directly affects middle-class car buyers.
Daily Pakistan’s EV tax report confirmed Pakistan is considering higher GST rates on EVs and hybrids in the Budget 2026-27. Currently, EVs carry approximately 1% GST while hybrids are taxed between 8% and 8.5%.
Under proposed changes, EVs could be shifted to the standard 18% GST slab — bringing them in line with conventional vehicles. Hybrid vehicles may also be brought to 18%, with larger engine variants potentially facing rates of up to 25%.
For Pakistani families who invested in EVs or hybrids specifically to reduce running costs, this budget change would significantly undercut those savings calculations.
Petroleum Levy Could Reverse the Recent Petrol Price Cut
CSS Prep’s budget analysis noted that non-tax revenue will rely heavily on the petroleum levy — with the target rising approximately 18% to Rs1.73 trillion. The carbon levy committed in FY26 at Rs2.5 per litre on petrol and diesel is scheduled to double to Rs5 per litre in FY27.
For Pakistani families who just benefited from the Rs22 petrol price cut, this budget provision means fuel prices could rise again in July when the new fiscal year begins — even if global oil prices remain stable.
The Full Fiscal Pressure This Budget Faces
Profit by Pakistan Today’s development outlay analysis noted the budget arrives under tighter constraints than any in recent memory: an IMF programme requiring a primary surplus, an FBR revenue target representing 14% growth over the current year, rising inflation driven by Middle East energy price pressures, and a debt servicing bill that consumed Rs8.2 trillion in FY26 — nearly half the entire federal budget.
For context on the IMF’s specific demands, see our earlier analysis on the IMF GST demands and FBR shortfall.
What Happens Next
The NEC meeting will now happen before June 10. The Annual Economic Survey for the current fiscal year is expected to release shortly, followed by a special federal cabinet meeting to approve the budget before the parliamentary session.
PakWheels’ budget date tracking confirmed June 10 as the working date, with June 5’s parliamentary session now cancelled.
24PakTimes will provide comprehensive live coverage of the Budget 2026-27 on June 10 — salary tables, tax changes, fuel pricing implications, and what it means for your household in plain language.
